There is always something about breakfast on Karragarra. Could it be the time of day ? Is it the short distance followed by a variety of ways to return ? Is it the shelter from strong winds gifted by the islands of the southern bay ? Is it the chance to see a dugong or bay dolphin which frequent these waters ? What about the resident birds of prey ? Is is the kayak friendly white
sandy beach fringed with casuarinas ? Could it be the sturdy picnic tables in the dappled shade of the native hibiscus ? What about the best loo in Moreton Bay ? Whatever, there is always an excellent turn out from far and wide and today was no exception.
Over 20 kayaks of all ilk, strippers, stitch and glue, plastic,
fibreglass, composite and kevlar, from the spanking new to the
museum piece were sequentially launched by chattering hands.
Graceful silhouettes chattered all the way across to and through
Garden Passage. A bird of prey high on watch from the barren branches of a mangrove was at first a sea eagle, then a brahminy kite followed by the inescapable conclusion when the changing light showed the russett cloak - it was a BFB - a big fat brahminy. Irena had an unexpected visitor at close quarters. Any closer and it may as well have been in, or (as Mark tried with boat splitting consequences) under her kayak. Whatever, it was close enough for the dugong. This bought kayaks into a curious viewing circle. It looked
like the dugong was being ringed by a silent hunting party and with a stripper wielding a seal club little wonder it didn't come back.
The beach was commandeered by an array of colour and the Moreton
Bay Canteen was open for business. More chatter. Funny stories were shared, including paddling Strong Tide Passage (against the tide) and thinking twice about walking in murky water in search of fresh (this was after all serious croc habitat) in the midst of cooking breakfast, supping tea or ravishing a coffee. Carol's beautiful cake was commandeered for birthday duties and
relinquished itself to a ceremonial carving after the birthday song. Brian was presented with some fantastically lairy head wear which
he accepted with good grace. His tactics with the radio given to
him by the group for his 70th kept him off air. At least now he had the option to remain visible way up in the distance.
After breakfast and a discussion of the return options the group did the usual and split. Mark and I came directly back. We had a not to be missed date to visit Merv Hodge's garden. On an ebbing tide we bravely scooted across the mud flats but did so quickly as half a foot of water dwindled to several inches. The numbers of birds of prey was incredible. At least six whistling kites, a pair of brahminy kites and another of sea eagles were circling or
settling with a Km of each other. Some bird in the mangroves, possibly an ibis was squawking vigorously. Crossing to Wienam Creek was an easy sail on a beam reach. It was slightly lumpy, perfect for a newbie to settle in too. This is the place we come when the forecast ramps it up over 25Kn - there is a lot of fun to be had, unlike the pure grind of last weekend.
Whenever there is breakfast on Karragarra you know there will be
a good turn out. Paddlers are drawn from all quadrants far and wide like bees to a honey pot for it is as much an opportunity to catch up with friends as be in a beautiful part of Moreton Bay.
PS Visiting Merv's garden was like going on a walk at Girraween. Flannel flowers were in profusion amongst sandstone outcrops. Merv is a doyen in the world of Australian Native
Plants. He developed many of the grevillea which grace gardens today. Merv was most welcoming and generous with his knowledge. Little wonder the acknowledgments in my garden books are indebted too him.
If you are wanting some Australian natives for your garden, especially ones which are endemic to Brisbane's Southside (and often hard to come by), then come to the Society for Growing Australian Native Plants Annual Spring Plant Sale. It is being
held at MacGregor State High School on 22 October. Entry is free.
Yeah I know it clashes. Decisions, decisions - kayak convention vs native plants. I know where I will be (and it's not because of Scottish ancestry). Look forward to seeing you there.
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